Air duct cleaning is a service that stirs up lots of questions from homeowners. Some ask whether they can take a do-it-yourself approach to this project.
To ensure the quality of your cleaning, look for an NADCA contractor. They will have the tools to clean all areas of your ductwork and vents, including those hard-to-reach places. Contact All Pro Services now!
Many homeowners ask whether it’s possible to perform air duct cleaning themselves rather than hire a professional service. While the idea of saving a few bucks is always attractive, it’s important to consider the complexities of the task and the potential for damage when taking on such a large home improvement project without proper training.
Your HVAC system pulls in contaminants and pollutants from all over your house—bacteria, pet dander, dust, skin cells, tobacco smoke, chemicals, and more. The filter stops some of these contaminants, but the rest circulate throughout your home and build up over time. This recirculation degrades indoor air quality, and your ductwork is one of the main places these contaminants accumulate.
Fortunately, there are several ways you can check your ducts to see how dirty they may be. You can start by opening vents and investigating the condition of the ductwork behind them. Make sure that vents aren’t blocked by furniture or other objects and that there are no signs of mold, rodent feces, or excessive dust in the insulation. Inspect the vents for rust, looseness, and leaks as well.
You can also use a video inspection camera to get a closer look at your ducts. These cameras can help you gauge the level of cleaning needed, duct condition, turns, and more. Professionals often utilize these advanced tools to identify hard-to-reach areas, determine the extent of contamination, and ensure that all contaminants are removed from the ductwork.
A reputable company will always utilize the latest tools and techniques, such as high-powered vacuums, specialized brushes, and high-efficiency air purifiers. They will also check for any loose connections or kinks and repair them as necessary. They will then sanitize all surfaces and vacuum the ductwork, including the evaporator coil, blower wheel, and drain pan.
The last thing you want is for your ducts to develop leaks after the cleaning process. This can introduce allergens and other contaminates into your home’s air, which can degrade indoor air quality. Leaks can also be caused by improper installation, which can compromise the integrity of the ductwork.
Ask for a Quote
One of the best ways to separate reputable contractors from less-than-trustworthy companies is by asking targeted questions. These questions help you find out what the company does, how long they’ve been in business, whether they offer any guarantees and other important information.
You’ll also want to ask the contractor about their cleaning methods. Ideally, you’ll want to choose a company that uses a truck-mounted vacuum system that creates negative air pressure and sucks the debris into a collection tank outside of your home, rather than forcing contaminated air back inside during and after the cleaning process. If a company doesn’t use this method, it’s probably best to move on to another candidate.
Additionally, you should be sure to inquire about any additional services that the company may provide. For example, some companies recommend applying chemical biocides to the inside of your ducts or other parts of your home’s ventilation system. These biocides are designed to kill microbiological contaminants, but they should only be used after the ducts have been thoroughly cleaned of dust and debris.
Another question to ask is how much experience the company’s technicians have on the job. This will help you avoid hiring amateurs who may not know the proper cleaning techniques or might make mistakes that could damage your ductwork.
It’s also a good idea to check that the company has liability insurance before you allow them inside your home. This ensures that you won’t be held liable for any accidental damages or injuries that might occur during the cleaning process.
You should also ask about the company’s post-cleaning inspection. Most reputable companies will offer this service to their clients, allowing them to see that the work was done properly. If a company doesn’t offer this service, it’s best to look elsewhere for your air duct cleaning needs. This is an easy way to avoid costly mistakes that could put your family’s health at risk.
Make the Right Choice
There are a number of things you can look for when choosing an air duct cleaning company. You should ask questions and do some research to ensure that you’re getting a good deal and are working with a qualified and reputable contractor.
You want to find out how long the company has been in business, and what their background is. This will give you an idea of how experienced they are and if they’ve been around for a while, which can indicate reliability. You should also check to see whether or not they have a license and are insured. This is important in case something goes wrong during the cleaning process.
It’s also a good idea to ask the company about their cleaning methods and equipment. They should be able to explain the different steps they will take to clean your home’s vents, and any other areas that may need cleaning. Also, be sure to ask about any chemicals that they might use during the cleaning process. You’ll want to know if these will be harmful to your family or pets, so you can take precautions if necessary.
Once you’ve made a list of potential companies, it’s time to start narrowing them down. Look for a company with a lot of happy customers, and read online reviews. If there are any complaints, try to get an idea of what the problem was and how it was resolved. You should also ask about the amount of time it takes to perform a thorough cleaning and if they offer before-and-after photos.
In order to determine if your ducts need cleaning, you should do a visual inspection. Look for a buildup of dust or a musty smell. It’s also a good idea to check the air filters in your house to make sure they’re clean. A dirty filter can also lead to a clogged vent, and that can cause your home’s system to run inefficiently and pollute the air with dust and allergens. In addition, if you notice that it’s taking longer for your home to cool or heat, this could also be a sign that your ducts are in need of cleaning.
Schedule Your Service
Air duct cleaning is a crucial step in creating a safe, healthy living environment. If the ductwork in your home contains dust, dead skin cells, pet dander and other debris, these contaminants can get into your lungs and circulate throughout the house. This can lead to health issues and damage your HVAC equipment over time. Regular duct cleaning prevents contaminants from building up in your ducts, keeping the system running efficiently and improving the overall indoor air quality in your home.
When you’re ready to schedule your duct cleaning, make sure to choose a company that follows industry standards for the process. Also, check to see if the company’s technicians are certified and have experience with cleaning ductwork. Inexperienced or untrained technicians can damage your ducts and cause contaminants to recirculate in your home.
Before the duct cleaners arrive, clear out any clutter or furniture in the area of your ductwork and HVAC components. This helps them work more quickly and makes the cleanup process go smoother for you and your family. If the technicians need to access the air handler or plenums in your attic, garage or basement, clear a path to those areas as well. The technicians will need access to the ducts, registers and return vents to hook up their large vacuum system. In addition, they will need to use a tool to cut an access hole in the side of the ducts near the air handler for their equipment and create negative pressure in the ducts.
Once the ducts are cleaned, the technician will seal the access holes and return your registers. Ask the technician to let you see a visual inspection of the clean ducts before they leave. This way, you can be certain they were done thoroughly and the ducts look free of dirt and grime.
Decide if you will stay in your home during the process or if it is best for you and your family to leave the premises for safety reasons. Duct cleaning can be noisy, and young children or elderly people may be at risk of injury from the hoses used to dislodge dirt from the duct walls. Pets should be kept out of the room for safety, as well.